Uke Yak Fans, Chuck "Frets" Fayne has been the resident expert for "Uke Yak" since 1998. Since that time he has answered almost 6,000 questions related to vintage ukuleles. Over many years, Chuck assembled his own world-class collection of vintage Hawaiian and Mainland ukes, including some amazing one-of-a-kind pieces. It was Chuck’s collection that made up the majority of the ukes in my book, "The Ukulele-A Visual History." Although Chuck has retired from the Uke Yak, his extensive knowledge and unique sense of humor live on in this searchable archive. Enjoy! Search the Uke Yak. Jumpin’ Jim 2015
Flea Market Music Uke Yak (182 of 296) (Chuck "Frets" Fayne has answered the following 5919 questions.)

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Question asked by: Ukulele Nuff Subject: Louis Belfiore Ukulele Question: Hey, Chuck! I asked if anyone had experience with Louis Belfiore ukuleles July 1st. You, and several others asked to see a pic. Here tis. It's not too much bigger than a standard soprano, but gives off a loud, vibrant sound. Louis Befiore is apparently a retired gent who lives in Temecula, California and handcrafts ukes and guitars. I purchased mine at Giacoletti's in Carlsbad. I am interested in whether others have purchased handcrafted ukes from local unknowns and what their experience has been. Photos:      Answer: Well yakkers, write in if you have purchased ukes from unknown makers. That is one wierd looking uke ...how does it sound....send more pics..please...frets - Tuesday, July 29, 2003

Question asked by: Eric Subject: Columbia uke Question: Ok- I'm hoping that the picture uploads. I really don't know what the wood is- the top is probably birch with an open grain. The neck does look a bit like mahogany- I think it's some sort of tropical wood- why else would they use a piece with a huge knot on the back when clear birch is easy to find? The strings are breaking in, and it does sound pretty good. I like the violin pegs, but boy are they easy to knock out of place while playing! Answer: Eric...take the uke to as luthier or violin maker and see if you can get some taperd pegs. The hole might be drilled straight thru, but you can stop the slipping by putting on a set of taperd pegs. I like the violin pegs as well. I prefer them..They are easier for me to keep in tune. I guess, when I learned to play the uke, that was about all that was available. Most ukes had pegs. But, then again, most school classrooms had slates...so there you go...The pic didn't make it..Please try again...I find a knot hole is a lucky uke. I have a 75 year old Kamaka with a huge knothole...After that great Kamaka sound, I like the knot hole best. Keep on writing in....and send a pic...frets - Tuesday, July 29, 2003

Question asked by: Bullfrog Subject: Lehua Ukes Question: I bought a Lehua concert uke on e- bay and all in all I'm pretty happy with it. My one bitch is that the scale is a little bit shorter than my other concert ukes. The Lehua has a nice mahogany body and a CEDAR top! Looks like a little flamenco guitar. With a better saddle and nut and some good Hilo strings, it is a pretty good deal. Answer: Bull..if I may call you that...thanks for the letter...Is there a question in there somewhere..if so...let me know..if not..congrats...I hope it is everything you hoped for.....thanks for sharing....frets - Saturday, July 26, 2003

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: buzz - Lee Gibbs Question: So time after time I hear "buzzzzz'. String buzz. Not being an expert hasn't prevented me from hearing the dreaded buzz. What could it be. Bet it has something to do with vibration. Like the notch in the nut is to wide and rather than having the string holding firm as it is strummed, it "bounces" around in the slot causing a buzz. Or something may be ”loose" on the saddle, if it has one, not fitted, or bridge, it's separating. Likley nothing mysterious. I don't recall Flea Market discussion that links "buzz" and "vibration", but it may be that I'm not paying attention. Speaking of which, "Lee Gibbs". I once bought a soprano "Lee Gibbs" from "Catch and Release", an early historic internet site for the dissemination of ukuleles, what a great name for passing ukes along, that was the work of Chris Davis, respected member of the ukulele community. The Gibbs, a nicely thought out mahogany uke, looks 50's, "Oriental"? It has a metal foil "Lee Gibbs" plate nailed on the head. Mine has Harmony style 50's Dodge tail fin tuner buttons, which may mean nothing as I once got a 1918 Martin Style 3, with a Foden bow tie marker at the 7th fret, and Harmony style 50's Dodge tail fin tuner buttons, and it still weren't a Harmony. regards, robert - founder Answer: A notch in the nut...I'd buzz too...thanks robert...always interesting...write often and send a pastrami sandwich...frets - Saturday, July 26, 2003

Question asked by: Edwin Subject: japanese Harmony uke Question: Chuck, This is about my question concerning Japanese made Harmony ukuleles. The question arose from an instrument which Roy Cone had for sale at ukuleleworld. Said it was a baritone made in Japan for Harmony and estimated 40's 50's. I just checked the site and apparently it has sold. I give credence to Mr. Cone, my dealings with ukuleleworld have been great and I've never read about a negative encounter while I seen bunches of positives. By the way, if you're wearing a thong to the festival...let me just say I'm okay with being in the northern hemisphere. understand you would not wish to see me in a thong, HECK, I don't want to see me in a thong. well, off to call the hogs...or play the uke, I've some "friends" who accuse me of mixing the two. Answer: Interesting about the Japanese made Harmony Uke....Like to know more about it. I promise, if you attend the festival, I won't wear a thong.....a tube top perhaps, but no thong....best to ya edwin....thanks for writing in..always stop by for a cup of soup if your in Mt Idy...I thought it was the "soup" festival...my mistake...It was the "soap festival"....I had four bowls before I realized...I'm writing this from the 2 holer where I have been for 2 weeks......frets and stings... - Saturday, July 26, 2003

Question asked by: Larry Subject: LeHua Ukes Question: Elderly Music in Lansing, MI carries them, plus Bounty Music and a few other places. I think they used to be made in Mexico, but moved production to Portugal. They run in the $200-$250 range.Thanks Answer: Thanks larry...always good to get info...Ukes being made in Portugal again. Proving that things run full circle if left alone. I understand they are building a new ship to take the Portugese to Hawaii...What will they come up with this time????frets - Saturday, July 26, 2003

Question asked by: Bruce Conner Subject: Violin peg size Question: Chuck, What's the usual size violin type peg used on ukes? Is it the full sized 4/4 ones or something a little more petite? Or is the no rhyme or reason? And don't gimme any of that "Violins never solved anything" stuff my mother used to shout at my sister as she attempted to El Kabong me. Answer: Bruce..the size violin peg to use is the one that fits. sometimes you have to have the hole drilled so that it is graduated. More the shape of the peg which is not the same size all the way down the shank....If you get it to work, I think you will like the pegs. I do. Im not sure, but I think El Kabonging is illegal in Australia. What the hell is El Kabong anyway?..best to ya.....frets - Saturday, July 26, 2003

Question asked by: Mike Subject: Lee Gibbs Baritone Question: I just purchased a Lee Gibbs Baritone with orignal case for $50.00. I'd like to know as much information about it as possible. Did I pay too much? Thanks Answer: I am not familiar with a Lee Gibbs Baritone, however, I am also not familiar with as Baritone uke and case for 50 bucks. So I guess you did alright. If anyone out there knows about Lee Gibbs, please write in. If You can send a pic...that would help alot. It might be a distributor on a known uke. Anythings possible in the ukey wackey world. Now there' a stretch...frets... - Saturday, July 19, 2003

Question asked by: Brand Subject: Favilla Question: Hello Chuck, I was wondering if Favilla made any ukes in concert or tenor size since I usually see Baritone and Soprano size Favilla's only? Thanks, Brand Answer: Brand...I don't recall seeing a tenor or a concert either. I have a couple of Favilla catalogues that show they advertised them, but I have not held one in my hands. I have had the Dave Wimbro..Wimbrola Favilla in my hands and it is a concert sized odd shaped uke.. And, a great player. I Hope Tom is reading this and will come to our aid. Thanks for writing in...chuck - Saturday, July 19, 2003

Question asked by: Jr Subject: beginner player Question: Hi Chuck, I feel dumb asking this question, but here it is. I just purchased a Mele standard mahogany uke and it just doesnt sound right. I tuned it with a chromatic tuner but I still get a buzz or hollow sound. I played cheap ukes that have sounded better. Would new strings make a difference? Please any advice? thanks, Jr Answer: New strings won't stop the buzz. You have to take it to a luthier and find out what's causing it. It could be lots of things. The sound might get better with better strings, but I would attend to the buzz first. When you find out what it is...give us a buzz.....fretzzzzzzzz...... - Saturday, July 19, 2003

Question asked by: Jim T. Subject: Columbia ukuleles Question: Chuck: In response to Eric's July 17 query about Columbia ukuleles, Columbia was the brand name Sherman Clay used for all of its lower-end fretted instruments. In the firm's 1912 catalogue, for instance, it offered Columbia guitars and mandolins, as well as Washburn models. (At that early date, it offered Hawaiian-made ukuleles only. Mainland manufacturers appear not to have entered the market until a couple of years later. As John King has pointed out elsewhere, Sears first offered ukuleles in its 1914 catalogue.) Answer: As usual, thanks Jim....Info is always appreciated. I don't have a Sherman Clay Catalogue..which is surprising since I have so many others....Will look again...thanks for writing in...best from Mt Idy....Home of "the weavers"........chuck - Saturday, July 19, 2003

Question asked by: Philip Subject: Uke solo music sheets Question: Dear Sir, Where can I find/buy the uke solo/song music sheets for Roy Smeck, Johnny Marvin, Eddie Kumae etc..? Thanks! Philip Answer: Philip, I would put your wants on the Marketplace and the Bulletin board on thie site. There are lots of people who specialize in sheet music and folios. Someone will answer you....stay well...and write often.....frets - Saturday, July 19, 2003

Question asked by: paul Subject: arthur godfrey solo lute SN7618 by the vega co. boston, ma Question: What would something like this be worth in excellent condition? Answer: 350 and more an original case....It is a good uke...especially with the long fingerboard......thanks for writing in...chuck - Thursday, July 17, 2003

Question asked by: gary Subject: ovation ukes Question: I am coming to the USA soon and as a mad uke player the Ovation Uke looked pretty cool and would give a bit more bounce - any thoughts (sounds)? Answer: Gary..worth a try...They are easy to play and have a good amplified sound. Not too good acoustically. But they make a bunch of different styles and , as I said they are worth a try. Where will you be and I will try to direct you to someone who has them...frets - Thursday, July 17, 2003

Question asked by: Eric Subject: Columbia Uke Question: I've just gotten a "Columbia Brand Hawaiian Ukulele". It's definitely a cheapo, but an interesting one. Some research on the web explains that it was sold by Sherman Clay & Co in the 20's, and that materials ranged from "Koa-finished Birch" to "Select Mahogany". The neck looks like mahogany (with a big knot near the heel) but I'm not sure what the body is. It tunes with violin pegs. Might sound OK once the strings break in. Has anyone seen many of these? Answer: I have had many of them...Definitly a cheapo, but not a bad sounding uke. They did make a bunch of varieties..I have a feeling Columbia wasn't the manufacturer..it was Harmony or Regal or one of the other mass producers. Thanks for writing in and keep the violin pegs if possible....I like them alot. frets - Thursday, July 17, 2003

Question asked by: Jerry Copeland Subject: Del Rio Ukelele Question: I was wondering if you could tell me something about this ukelele (I've attached a picture). It has a case with 'REGISTERED THE NEW RELIANCE TRADEMARK' stamped into the top (Reliance of London?). There is some sheet music in the case (20 songs), a chord sheet, and a rehearsal sheet dated September 1945 - some of the sheet music appears to date back to October 1942. It appears to be made of solid timber (maple perhaps?) and has a split in the back of it and one of the tuning pegs replaced. Two of the strings are original gut strings. The ukelele measures 21 inches long by 6 and a quarter inches wide by 2 and 5 sixteenths deep. Photos:      Answer: It is certaily an English made Ukulele. The headstock gives it away. I am not very well versed in English Ukes, however, if it was made by the John Grey Company, and it looks alot like them, it could be a very good player. John Grey made a variety of instruments and they knew what they were doing. Have it fixed up and play it. I would...frets - Thursday, July 17, 2003

Question asked by: Jose I. Sanchez Subject: Value and questions about a 1972 Kamaka Question: I spoke to my father-in-law about wanting an ukulele to play music for my newborn daughter. A friend of his just passed away and willed him a 1972 Kamaka Soprano ukulele. I wanted to get an idea of value (to decide to insure or not) and what I should do to keep it in the great condition it is in. Photos:      Answer: Very nice uke. To keep in the great condition, ....play it...wipe if off and don't do much else. They are made to last. Great company...still in business after almost 100 years....Not many of the original employees left. Value...If it is crack free and in near mint condition...350+..if it has the original yellow fluffy lined case..more....It might bring a few more dollars on a good day because of the great condition. Be sure and roam around our site...lots of stuff to look at....Keep in touch and let us know how it works out...Its a beauty....frets - Thursday, July 17, 2003

Question asked by: Terry Subject: G-String Uke Question: Hi Chuck and Karen. Keoki Kahumoku plays a G-String uke. He's also a sponsor for the company. I heard him play it and it sounded real nice, but since I never had a chance to play it myself, so I have no idea how it feels. The only recordings of Keoki's that I know of are with Herb Ohta Jr, so he is always playing guitar, but he plays live with his Dad, George, and that's when he plays his uke and the G- String company gets their money's worth! By the way, that's a great show if you have a chance to see them together. Best, Terry Answer: Thanks for the info...We always appreciate new news. I have heard them play together and it is a real treat. Stay tuned and keep writing in...We need the chatter....best from the yak......frets - Thursday, July 17, 2003

Question asked by: Edwin Subject: Fayne Radio Tenor Question: Greetings, I know you are probably tired of questions about it but it occurred to me that it has been a good while since I've seen reference to the Fayne Radio Tenor. Could we get an update? If I have somehow missed recent info- don't think so but figure I'm due for a mistake...RIGHT!-then just chuck (no play on your name intended, unless it amuses and then it is craftily conceived word play) this query out. This site is almost as fun (and better done) as my uke playing, or fumbling depending on which side of the uke you sit. Thanks Answer: Edwin...thanks for the nice words. The Radio Tenor is in the development stages now and hope to have something real soon. Have not abandoned the idea. I'm glad you like the site...considering, I just got an email from a person who missed the entire reason for my, as he put it, vague and lengthy diatribe about the ripoff artists who will gladly take your money if you dont watch your back or have someone watch it for you. The Radio Tenor will be quite a uke...Thanks for your interest and keep writing in.....best Edwin from Frets and the gang..... - Thursday, July 17, 2003

Question asked by: Zach Subject: Gibson UB-1 restoration Question: Chuck, Through researching on the uke yak and at theukuleleman.com, I have learned that I have a Gibson UB-1 banjo uke. It has been in my grandma's attic for quite some time and is in not-so-great shape (a few large cracks on the pot, missing the nut, needs new vellum, etc.). Do you know if any good luthiers in the Seattle area that I could take it to to get it back into playing condition? I'll try to get a picture of it soon too. Thanks! Answer: I would contact Duane Heilman at Black Bear Guitars in Yakama. He will advise you. Don't take it to your local music shop, they will repair it at a cost greter than the banjo uke. When finished and in perfect condition you might get 300 for it on a good day. So let that be your guide. I'm sure Duane will advise you correctly, he is a terrific luthier and a very honest man..He has done many things for me and I have never been disappointed, nor has anyone I have sent to him....No need to send a pic, I know what it looks like. I have had many of them. They must have been very well made, many of them still exist. Good luck and tell Duane hello from all at Fleamarketmusic.com and Frets Fayne.....thanks for writing in and let us know how it goes....chuck - Wednesday, July 16, 2003

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